We encounter many different types of fabric on a daily basis. Fabrics can be broadly classified as synthetic fabrics and natural fabrics based on the type of fibers they are derived from. Common examples of natural fabrics include cotton, denim, wool, and silk. The fibers that constitute these fabrics can always be sourced from natural origins. For example, cotton is obtained from the cotton plant, silk is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm, and wool is obtained from sheep and other animals. Synthetic fabrics are fabrics that are made up of artificial or man-made fibers. Common examples of synthetic fibers include rayon, nylon, velvet, and felt.

Whether you’re a conscious shopper or you want to take your fashion design skills to a new level, it’s smart to get familiar with different fabric types. Each is best suited to different items: the fabric for sports apparel is different from those used for high fashion, both in the way they look and for their other qualities. 

Want to learn more? Read on for 8 different types of fabric you need to know about, and what to use each for.

What Is Fabric?

First, what is the fabric? The first question should actually be, what is cloth—because Merriam-Webster’s fabric definition is “a material resembling cloth”! The dictionary defines cloth as “a pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments.”

Essentially, the fabric is a material made of fibers that are used to make items such as clothing, shoes, bags, and homewares like bedsheets, cushions, and towels. It can be thick or thin, rough or smooth, heavy or lightweight; the qualities of different types of fabric depending on what it’s made from.

8 Different Types of Fabric and How to Use Them

1. Pure cotton: generally used to make T-shirts, casual pants, pajamas and other clothes close-fitting clothing
2. Linen: generally used to make summer T-shirts, cardigans, skirts, etc., is the most used fabric in summer
3. Silk: generally used to make summer shirts, pajamas, dresses and headscarves, etc.
4. Wool: generally used to make sweaters, woolen sweaters, coats, suits, etc., and can also be used to make carpets, blankets, etc.
5. Modal: generally used to make women's coats, underwear, sportswear and home textiles, etc.
6. Viscose fiber: generally used to make suits, blankets and various decorative fabrics
7. Polyester: generally used to make outdoor products such as outerwear, various bags and tents
8. Acrylic: Generally, it can be blended with wool to make wool, blankets and carpets, and it can also be made into various clothing materials and indoor products with rayon, cotton and other synthetic fibers.

Always read the hang tags, product page and label

Generally, the hang tags in clothing brands will have fabric information. If it is a website, the general details page will have it~ Remember to check it out. And whatever you're wearing, always refer to those laundry symbols for the best cleaning practices. Your clothes will look better and last longer.